After Warner Bros. Discovery announced in 2023 that the Harry Potter franchise would go to TV, fans have been eagerly waiting for more information on what to expect from this HBO Original. We now know the intended release date is in 2026; however, some sources speculate that it could get pushed back to early 2027.
Each season will follow one book of the seven-book series, and the writers aim to be faithful to the storyline. The CEO of the global streaming division of Warner Bros Discovery, JB Perrette, announced that he expects the series to run for a decade.
A new Harry Potter means a new cast of fresh faces in the Wizarding World. The original actors playing Harry, Hermione and Ron (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint), have aged out of their characters, opening the door for newcomers to take their place. A casting call went out through the official Harry Potter Instagram last fall looking for kids aged 9 to 11 in April 2025 who are residents of the UK or Ireland to come try out for the three key roles.
When the author of Harry Potter, JK Rowling, laid out the mandate for the big screen adaptation, she was adamant about keeping things local. The author instated a “British-Only” rule for the cast, which the director adhered to with the exception of a couple of minor non-speaking roles (one of which he gave to his daughter). While this rule did create a fully British product, it led to some high-profile actors getting rejected. American actor and comedian Robin Williams, for example, expressed interest in playing Professor Remus Lupin but was not accepted. Lancashire native David Wheeler (better known as David Thewlis) got the role instead.
The “British-Only” mandate is not expected to repeat with the HBO Original outside of the main trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione. Once actors/actresses are secured for these three roles, the others will be filled. This is where things get interesting. Rumours have been circulating about which actors and actresses could be selected for the most popular characters.
Harry Potter betting has opened in the TV Specials tab under our Entertainment Betting page for Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid and Severus Snape. Find the drop-down for Harry Potter Reboot to populate all of the bets offered. We’ll go over the four aforementioned characters along with the top picks of potential actors/actresses who could take the role. Have an idea for another possible candidate? Reach out and make the request.
There will be pressure for getting Dumbledore right. The beloved Hogwarts Headmaster is a fan favourite in spite of his flaws. Three actors portrayed him on the big screen.
Irish actor and singer Richard Harris, who played Marcus Aurelius in Gladiator, was the original Dumbledore. He played the role in the first two movies, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2002) and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2002) to much acclaim. He portrayed Dumbledore as a welcoming and nurturing mentor for Harry; the earlier books targeted a younger audience and introduced Dumbledore as two dimensional. Tragically, Harris passed away at 72 years old and the production needed a new Dumbledore.
Irish actor Michael Gambon, who started his career in the Royal National Theatre before moving on to film, stepped in and is who most people think of when imagining Dumbledore. He brought the character to life in six of the eight movies and helped portray the increasingly complex persona of Dumbledore on screen. Gambon did a fantastic job of bringing the formerly god-like wizard character back down to earth.
Lastly, Jude Law played Dumbledore in the prequel film series, Fantastic Beasts, when a younger version was needed. His cameo was brief, however, and not as impactful as the other versions.
Scottish actor Peter Capaldi is the top pick for playing Dumbledore in Harry Potter Reboot on the odds board—but the other picks are close behind. You may know him for his portrayal of the 12th incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who, a British long-running science fiction TV series. His performance in Doctor Who would translate well to the Dumbledore character.
American actor, director and producer, Blair Underwood, who was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, one being for Best Supporting Actor in L.A. Law, is +400 to get Dumbledore. Harry Potter’s Open Casting Call states that they are committed to inclusive and diverse casting, making him a compelling pick that would shift the character.
Peter Capaldi: +300
Blair Underwood: +400
Jonathan Pryce: +600
Jared Harris: +700
Brian Cox: +700
Minerva McGonagall, a Scottish half-blood witch in the Harry Potter franchise, started as a professor at Hogwarts before becoming the deputy Headmistress under Dumbledore, to whom she was very loyal. The Head of Gryffindor House, McGonagall had a no-nonsense approach to teaching and was very protective of her students when needed.
British actress Maggie Smith, a two-time Oscar winner, portrayed McGonagall flawlessly for all eight movies—one of which she was undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the same time. Rowling praised Smith for her superb performance, which involved portraying a tough exterior that surrounded a deeply warm heart, especially for those she cared for. The next actor to take the McGonagall role will have big shoes to fill. The top four picks on the Who will play Minerva McGonagall bet include the American actress Angela Bassett at +400 and English actress Helen Mirren at +500. Bassett was in the Avengers: End Game, Mission: Impossible—Fall Out and Mr. and Mrs. Smith and most importantly, she played the soul singer Tina Turner in the British rom com What’s Love Got to Do With It (2022)—which got her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Mirren is a high-profile British actress who won an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen (2006).
Angela Bassett: +400
Helen Mirren: +500
Lesley Manville: +500
Gillian Anderson: +700
The amicable half-giant, Rubeus Hagrid was originally a student at Hogwarts, but was expelled when Tom Riddle (the eventual Lord Voldemort) framed him when committing a crime that led to a fatality. After many years, Hagrid did eventually return to Hogwarts where he was employed as a groundskeeper. Hagrid was eventually cleared of wrongdoing and became a Professor of Care of Magical Creatures.
Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane gained worldwide recognition for his portrayal of Hagrid in all eight movies. Before casting went out, Rowling had Coltrane in mind for Hagrid—and he did not disappoint. Queen Elizabeth II appointed him an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to drama specially for his work with the Harry Potter franchise.
At the top of the odds board for the actor most likely to get the Hagrid role is a three-way tie between Michael Sheen, Nick Frost and Zach Galifianakis. Sheen has joked about being the only British actor not sought out for a role in Harry Potter and has stated that he would have wanted to play Sirius or Dumbledore but would have been happy with any role. As for British actor Nick Frost, whose film debut was in Shaun of the Dead (2004) with Simon Pegg, he’d fit the British role nicely.
Michael Sheen: +700
Nick Frost: +700
Zach Galifianakis: +700
John Goodman: +800
The Head of the Slytherin House and Potions Master at Hogwarts, Snape was bullied in his formative years, leading him to grow into a complicated character who can be uncompromising and self-centred. Snape developed an interest in the Dark Arts at a young age and eventually became highly-skilled with potions, even going off script to make new ones. Initially attracted to Lord Voldemort’s philosophies, Snape had to realign his loyalties when his beloved Lily Evans was threatened, causing him to turn to Dumbledore.
English actor and director Alan Rickman, portrayed Professor Snape for all eight movies. Just like with Coltrane, Rowling had Rickman in mind for the Snape character in the early phases.
The stubborn and humourless Snape is a real fan favourite, and whoever gets the role will no doubt enjoy bringing the character to life again with their own style. The top of the betting board has the American actor, Adam Driver at +300; Driver made a name for himself playing the role of Adam Sackler in the popular TV series Girls (2012 to 2017). He has since widened his acclaim with his role in the Oscar-nominated movie Marriage Story. There’s no doubt that Driver has a natural resemblance to the Snape character, making him an excellent fit.
Adam Driver: +300
Aneurin Barnard: +700
Oscar Isaac: +700
Idris Elba: +800
Betting is open now for Harry Potter Reboot. Cast your vote on who you think will fill these big roles and enjoy a nice payday if your instincts prove true. Enjoy the show.